Baltimore's top cop walks the streets with residents

Baltimore, Md. - Baltimore City Police Commissioner Fred Bealefeld was one of several city leaders on hand for a Citizens on Patrol walk in the city's Brooklyn neighborhood Tuesday night.

Bealefeld says walks like this are crucial because it gives residents a chance to bring them together with community leaders, along with government officials. 

People living in this neighborhood told Bealefeld two of their top concerns are open-air drug dealing and rampant street prostitution.  Bealefeld says during the walk, he approached several residences to talk to them about his concerns, including suspicious activity and bulk trash.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also came out for the walk, along with some members of city council.

"It sends a clear signal," said Bealefeld, "to the knuckleheads in neighborhoods that want to corrupt the city's youth, want to take over street corners for their ill-gotten gains, that the people care.  And that just beyond caring, they're willing to do something about it."

Bealefeld says walking the streets and showing concern for public safety is something he'd like to be the norm for his patrol officers.  He also says anytime a community wants to have a walk like this, residents can simply call Baltimore City Police and they'll come out to lend support.

Bealefeld says such walks are not a "magic bullet", but rather a kind of movement that has to be sustained over time in order to have an impact.